Skip to main content
Normal View

Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004

Thursday, 25 March 2004

Questions (89)

David Stanton

Question:

89 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special education resource applications, received by his Department before 31 August 2003, which have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9446/04]

View answer

Written answers

In all, more than 5,000 applications for special education resources were received in my Department between the 15 February and 31 August 2003. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all of these cases were responded to before or soon after the commencement of the current school year.

The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.

The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.

Top
Share